Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff

Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff You may have known us as DeGraff United Methodist. We have changed our name recently!

06/08/2026

The prophet Isaiah has a way of bringing us the hard truth about our lives, and yet delivers a call to come back to our God. When we come back to Him, He is faithful to keep His promises.

Isaiah 1: 18-20 / Psalm 51: 7-11

Additional Resources:
Isaiah 1:4
Isaiah 1:16
Matthew Henry
Revelation 7:14
Romans 6:16
Hebrews 12:25

Action Steps to Coming Home To God

Step 1: Confession: 1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

Step 2: Turn Away (Repent): Isaiah 55:7 - "Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”

Step 3: Be Obedient To God: Proverbs 3: 5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Working for PeaceOne look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself.Nations are warring an...
06/08/2026

Working for Peace

One look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself.

Nations are warring and people are fighting. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean into Jesus’ wisdom in the seventh beatitude:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let's be clear, peacemaking is different than peacekeeping. In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as we’re on this earth, we will face trouble. There will be chaos, division, misunderstandings, and a need for making peace. And that is why… 

Peacemaking requires action.

Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our own comfortable lives. But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way:

- Peacemakers lead the way with humility. No one is perfect and we all need grace. None of us are God, but we all need Him. Leading with a posture of humility is key.

- Peacemakers lead the way with empathy. Even when we disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential for making peace.

- Peacemakers lead the way with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both truth and grace. We must have both to accurately represent Him.

- Peacemakers lead the way to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Apart from Him, we are nothing. When we realize our mutual brokenness, as well as our mutual need for Christ, everything can change.

Seeking to be a mediator for those in disagreement doesn’t mean that every problem will be solved—immediately or ever. But when we invite God into those spaces and commit to the hard work of peacemaking, He can do more than we can ask or imagine.

Is Your Heart Pure?What do you think about when you hear the word pure?Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear wate...
06/07/2026

Is Your Heart Pure?

What do you think about when you hear the word pure?

Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone who’s morally wholesome and good?

In the sixth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8 NIV

The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our own—despite our best efforts.

Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)—where God’s presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.

Now, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when we accept the sacrifice, He makes us pure. Now and forever, we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” where we can find mercy and grace when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). Now, our bodies are the modern-day temples where God’s Spirit has chosen to dwell.

Being pure of heart is not about being perfect, but trusting in Jesus to purify our souls.

As Isaiah once prophesied…

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”
Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Allow Him to make you pure.

Severe MerciesThink back on a time when you were shown mercy…Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel yo...
06/06/2026

Severe Mercies

Think back on a time when you were shown mercy…

Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel your debt. Maybe you hurt someone you love, but they gave you another chance. Maybe you made a huge mistake, but you received forgiveness instead of punishment.

In the fifth of the beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NIV

Because we are imperfect sinners who have all fallen short of God’s glorious standards, we all deserve death. We all deserve punishment. We all deserve to be eternally separated from God.

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ NLT‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness while simultaneously fervent about grace and mercy.

That’s why He paid the ultimate price for us—so that we could truly live. That’s why He conquered the grave—to mercifully save our souls. That’s why He sent His Spirit—so that we could also show mercy.

To be clear, grace and mercy, while similar, aren't the same. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve (an unwarranted gift) while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath). 

And while it’s easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful. Even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they don’t deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you don’t feel like being merciful.

Jesus has shown us a great mercy. And now? We can offer it to others.

06/05/2026

The Psalmist reminds us of the importance of Sabbath and planting ourselves in the truth. God our Creator is the only truth and we must abide in the truth.

Psalm 92: 8-15 / Psalm 92: 1-4

Additional Resources:
Lori Wagner
Philippians 4: 6-7

Action Steps to Living A Planted Life

Step 1: Root Yourself In Scripture: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Let Scripture be the roots of your faith!

Step 2: Abide In Christ: John 15:4 - "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." Remain connected to the vine!

Step 3: Cultivate A Life of Prayer: Philippians 4: 6-7 - “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

What Do You Crave?Every day, multiple times a day, little alarms are triggered inside your brain. They make your stomach...
06/05/2026

What Do You Crave?

Every day, multiple times a day, little alarms are triggered inside your brain. They make your stomach growl, your mouth water, or your mind become fixed on that which you crave.

God gave us physical needs that mirror our spiritual needs, too. Needs that must be met to stay healthy and alive. Needs that must be satisfied over and over again. In fact, food is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for our spiritual needs (it's called "our daily bread" in Matthew and the "pure milk" of the Word in 1 Peter, to name a couple.)

In the fourth beatitude, which are a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6 NIV

Do you long for righteousness and justice? Do you desire the ways of God? Do you yearn for His kingdom to come? Do you want to be someone who chases after that which can never truly satisfy, or someone who hungers and thirsts after God?

In this upside-down kingdom where Jesus is Lord, the poor can be rich, the weak can be strong, and the empty can be filled.

Jesus Christ not only holds the keys to “living water,” but He is the “Bread of Life.” So, when you feel Him prompting your heart—to fight for justice, to love the unloved, to stand up for what’s right (even when it’s not popular)—pay attention.

He stands ready to fill you with everything you need.

Meekness Isn’t WeaknessEverything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, inde...
06/04/2026

Meekness Isn’t Weakness

Everything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.

But in the third beatitude, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus highlighted something different, saying: 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the “fruits of the Spirit” (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably. 

But, let’s be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isn’t weakness.

Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to God’s authority.

Now, if “meek” isn’t a word that you’d use to currently describe yourself, that’s okay. Jesus wasn’t speaking to those who had it all together—and He isn’t expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, He’s extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming. 

God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.

In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called “meek.” But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own power—like summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that cross—He leaned into God’s strength and restrained His limitless power.

Jesus’ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for God’s glory and who humble themselves at His feet.

06/02/2026

The day that the Holy Spirit appeared and filled the disciples of Jesus, everything changed. Those who normally would wait for Jesus to do things, were now the ones empowered to do what Jesus did. Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2: 1-13 / Psalm 104: 27-30

Additional Resources:
Genesis 2:7
Exodus 3: 2-4
Deuteronomy 5:22
Numbers 9: 15-16
John 14: 16-17
Acts 1: 4-5

Action Steps to Living A Holy Spirit Filled Life

Step 1: Surrender to God Daily: Romans 6:13 “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Step 2: Saturate Yourself in Scripture: Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

Step 3: Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:25 - “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

Hope for the Poor in SpiritJesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-...
06/02/2026

Hope for the Poor in Spirit

Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings commonly known as the beatitudes. 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.

So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing? 

Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a common characteristic in the kingdom of heaven.

Those who are poor in spirit know that they can’t, but they trust that God can.

If we’re honest, most of us would prefer to be rich, comfortable, and self-dependent. We would rather lack nothing. But even if we happen to be financially stable or physically healthy, we cannot save our own souls.

We were created to need God.

So if you’re feeling weak, weary, or worn out, it’s okay. If you feel like you have nothing to offer, Jesus actually says that you are blessed. 

When you have a need, He can meet it. When you’re not enough, He already is. And when you feel poor in spirit, you are in the perfect position to be saved and filled by God.

Songs in the DarkEven in life’s hardest and most depressing seasons, God is with us and is listening to us. One purpose ...
06/01/2026

Songs in the Dark

Even in life’s hardest and most depressing seasons, God is with us and is listening to us. 

One purpose of a song of lament, or lament psalm, is to be honest with God. It’s about expressing vulnerability by telling God exactly how we feel. We should never be afraid of God or how we speak to Him, because He is able to handle our deepest emotions and complaints. And lament psalms are our model in Scripture on how we can be honest with Him.

Psalm 42 is a lament psalm. It is a song about the hopelessness of the writer’s current condition. It speaks to deep sorrow and grief that is experienced in life. The writer of Psalm 42 does not know why he is depressed. He’s not sure why certain things are happening to him. And so he goes to God in prayer and song, expressing the deepest parts of his soul.

Another purpose of lament is to connect the hopelessness of life with the hope that God gives. Laments act as a bridge between our present situation and the promises we’re waiting on. 

The writer of this Psalm speaks to his own soul and encourages himself to continue to hope in God. He knows that no season lasts forever, and there will come a time when joy returns to him.

We will all go through seasons of sadness and grief. And we will have Psalms as a guide. The first step is to come before God and honestly express yourself to Him. Tell Him exactly how you feel.

Next, remember the promises that He has given you in His Word. Recount how much He loves you and cares for you.

And lastly, encourage yourself to put your hope in God. Move towards songs of praise in spite of your current circumstances.

Address

1839 County Road 24 S
De Graff, OH
43318

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm
Friday 7pm - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+19375855511

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